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Four black and tan German Shepherd puppies gathered around a chewed, shredded gray slipper on a tile floor. 33 / 38

Four Puppies Surrounded One Gray Slipper. It Never Stood a Chance.

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That slipper never stood a chance. Four black and tan German Shepherd puppies have surrounded a fuzzy gray house shoe on a tile floor, and judging by the frayed fabric and torn stitching, they have been at it for a while. One pup in front gnaws at the toe with total concentration, another clamps onto the heel, and the two in back pause mid-chew to gaze up innocently, as if they have no idea how this happened. Light from a nearby window brightens the tiles, and a rumpled blanket and a doormat sit off to the side.

Chewing is completely normal for puppies. It helps relieve teething discomfort, explores the world and burns off energy, and German Shepherds tend to be especially enthusiastic about it. The trick is guiding that urge toward the right items. Keep shoes, socks and slippers out of reach, offer a variety of sturdy chew toys with different textures, and trade a toy for anything off limits rather than scolding. Frozen washcloths or chilled chew toys can soothe sore gums. Pieces of fabric, rubber or foam can cause digestive trouble if swallowed, so supervise chewing and contact your vet if you suspect your puppy ate part of something.

Rotating toys every few days keeps them feeling new and exciting, which can make the old slipper a little less tempting.

As for this slipper, it served the household nobly and will be fondly remembered. Its partner should probably hide.

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